Perth and Kinross is lively and exciting for golf lovers, whisky drinkers, and history buffs. For anyone who wants a closer look at the Neolithic side of Scotland, the Croft Moraig Stone Circle sits a few miles south south-west of Aberfeldy near a farm. What’s unique about these standing stones compared to many others in Scotland are the varying styles.
You can find recumbent stones, graded circle stones, beds of quartz pebbles, and even a ring of earthwork that outlines the entire outer circle. Whether this was a meeting of the minds or a spontaneous work of art is unknown by archaeologists, but it makes the whole site fascinating to explore.
If you want to visit the Croft Moraig Stone Circle, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll cover everything you need to know about these standing stones, from their history to how to get there and what you can look forward to while there.
History of the Croft Moraig Stone Circle
The history of the Croft Moraig Stone Circle is phased, meaning that throughout history, it was built upon several times to reach its final phase. While this is common for certain Neolithic monuments, a timber circle or timber supports were used to support the stone structures after the distinct three phases from which the Croft Moraig Stone Circle was built.
First Phase
When the Neolithic Croft Moraig stone circle was first excavated in 1965, something peculiar was noted. While the original construction of Croft Moraig (sometimes written as Croftmoraig) was completed sometime 4000 years ago, there were multiple iterations of the stone circle.
The first phase was completed with something other than stone but rather timber posts. 14 of them were arranged in roughly a horseshoe pattern, which could have been a draft of the stone circle to come.
Second Phase
An unknown time later, the second phase of the construction was complete. Eight standing stones were placed in a similar horseshoe pattern, roughly the exact measurements as the timber posts that stood before it. A stone bank was also dug around the stone circle.
Third Phase
The first stone circle was later surrounded by more standing stones, which concluded the third phase of Croft Moraig’s construction. These 12 stones were erected about 10 feet further than the original stone circle, and one of them is even thought to be cut to symbolise a Neolithic pattern, although time has worn away clear evidence of this.
Above and beyond the outer circle were two outlying stones that marked the south-east entrance of the circle, and it’s theorised that this is where Neolithic rituals would begin. Two graves are found here that also mark this entrance – which were found with burnt bone and Neolithic pottery.
Excavations
The Croft Moraig Stone Circle was excavated in 1965, revealing many centuries of lost stonework. Even through these thorough excavations, the origins of this stone circle’s creation are unknown. Archaeologists suspect that the second phase was created around 2000- 3000 BCE due to Neolithic pottery, but beyond that is speculation.
What is known is that the entire project was conducted over 1000 years ago, a startling prospect that’s difficult to imagine today.
Croft Moraig Stone Circle Folklore
The mysteries surrounding the Croft Moraig Stone Circle make it an unusual Neolithic monument, with barely any folklore or mythology surrounding it. While modern archaeologists can’t prescribe any stories or tales to it, the unique features of the stone circle make it a contender as a site of rituals and worship for Neolithic humans.
The stone circle was thought to be a druidic temple by historical scholars like Colin MacVean, who is cited as saying,
“It is about 60 yards in circumference and consists of three concentric circles. The stones in the outermost (ring) are not so large as those in the inner circles and are not, like them, set on end.”
The unique layout outlined by Colin also points to the circles aligning to the sun and moon, with a special cup-marked stone demarking where the southern moonset and midsummer sunrise occur. The structure, whose original purpose is unknown, has been speculated by many to have once been “the dwelling-place of a priest, a witch doctor, a shaman”, according to Aubrey Burl.
Best Time to Visit the Croft Moraig Stone Circle
Luckily, these megalithic rings can be visited no matter what time of year you plan to see Scotland. That being said, the best time to visit this attraction is spring, summer, and autumn.
In late spring and autumn, you can enjoy many of Scotland’s most famous attractions without worrying about overcrowding. While the Croft Moraig Stone Circle is a hidden gem that usually has a serene atmosphere, other attractions in and around Aberfeldy benefit significantly from this off-peak tourist schedule.
Summer is a fantastic time to visit, even if other attractions may be busier. With the peak tourist season comes bright blue skies and the best weather Scotland has, so be sure to visit the Croft Moraig Stone Circle if you’re exploring Aberfeldy on your holiday.
How to Get to Croft Moraig Stone Circle
For those travelling to Aberfeldy, the Croft Moraig Stone Circle is just a stone’s throw away! The Neolithic site is easily accessible and en route to Kenmore. You don’t have to worry about taking narrow roads and trails to reach this stone circle, and it can easily be a stop along the way to Kenmore or another destination in Perthshire.
Here are the top ways to reach the Croft Moraig Stone Circle by car and public transit:
By Car
The Croft Moraig Stone Circle sits about 8 minutes outside Aberfeldy, making it a fantastic location to stop by on your way to other attractions within the region. Here’s the most direct route to this stone circle:
- From Aberfeldy, take the A827 west that leads to Kenmore.
- Once you cross the Cromfimoraig Burn, take the first left.
- You should see a farmhouse to your right.
- The stone circle sits a few metres from the farm house. You can see it from the road and make a short trek to the historic site.
By Transit
The route to the Croft Moraig Stone Circle is equally accessible using public transit options if you plan to visit Scotland’s attractions without driving. Here’s the bus route from Aberfeldy:
- From Aberfeldy’s Chapel Street, take the 91A Kenmore bus.
- Ride the bus for 5 stops (around 10 minutes) until you reach the Croft Moraig stop.
- From there, walk down the road. You can see the Croft Moraig Stone Circle from the roadside.
Attractions at Croft Moraig Stone Circle
Once you’ve made the short trip and set your eyes on the Croft Moraig Stone Circle, you may be wondering what things to do you can get up to so you can fully appreciate one of the most completed Neolithic stone circles in Scotland. The nine stones await, and plenty more attractions exist in and around the area.
Explore One of the Most Complete Stone Circles in Scotland
The main attraction at the Croft Moraig Stone Circle is undoubtedly the set of stone circles themselves. After a brisk walk through the Scottish farm ground, you’ll see the imposing eight stones built in the second phase of the stone circle.
Although the stone circle is a mere hundred metres from civilisation, entering the Croft Moraig Stone Circle takes you into an entirely different world. As one of Scotland’s most complete megalithic sites, history is at your fingertips here for those willing to learn.
For the whole experience, enter the stone circle through its entrance and head to the centre. Here, you can see the eight stones created during the second phase of its construction during the Bronze Age.
From there, navigate outwards towards the outer circle of 12 stones and note that they have less wear and tear than their inner circle counterparts. Although it’s uncertain when the stone circle’s third phase was complete, it was likely several hundred years later.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is beloved by tourists who want to add a historical flair to their holiday in Scotland. While this attraction may already be on your list of things to do, keep an eye out for the Neolithic pottery from the Croft Moraig Stone Circle that sits within the safeguarded exhibitions at the Museum.
In addition to Neolithic pottery, there’s plenty more to see at this major attraction, from animal skeletons, global artwork, and several smaller stones from Neolithic sites all over Scotland.
Explore the Town of Aberfeldy
You’ll likely pass through Aberfeldy on your way to the Croft Moraig Stone Circle, so why not look at the town’s top attractions? If you’re interested, we’ve written a complete guide to visiting Aberfeldy, but here’s just a taste of what you can look forward to.
Birks of Aberfeldy
The most famous attraction in Aberfeldy is the Birks of Aberfeldy. The Scottish Bard, Robert Burns, even wrote a well-known poem about the transcendent landscape in ‘Birks of Aberfeldy’. For visitors, the Birks of Aberfeldy is a famous natural trail that is a fantastic circular walk filled with water mills, waterfalls, and local wildlife.
If you want a natural attraction to experience with friends and family, the Birks of Aberfeldy is the one for you.
Castle Menzies
Another major attraction near Aberfeldy is Castle Menzies, which served as the home to Scotland’s famous Clan Menzies. The castle is stunning, with fantastic architecture and significant historical artefacts that once hosted the likes of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Duke of Cumberland.
It’s one of the best attractions in Aberfeldy, especially for visitors who love adding a little history to their holiday.
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery
No trip to Scotland is complete without going to a distillery and tasting some fine whisky. And as far as distilleries go, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is one of the best in Perthshire. The Distillery outlines the life of John Dewar and the process of making this unique whisky. It even offers a tasting session so new arrivals can indulge in aged whisky.
Wind down a day of attractions by booking a tasting session at Dewar’s. You won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a few questions about the Croft Moraig Stone Circles? Don’t worry. Here are a few questions we receive regularly and the answers to them.
Where Can I Park Near Croft Moraig Stone Circle?
Parking is quite tight to the Moraig Stone Circle. You can’t park on the Croftmoraig farm or along the road so that parking can be tricky during the busier summer season. It’s better during the off-season to park near the trash cans, but public transit is sometimes the better option.
How Do I Find the Croft Moraig Stone Circle?
Although signs don’t mark the Croft Moraig Stone Circle, it’s pretty easy to find if you know where you’re going. While driving from Aberfeldy to Kenmore, look out for these identifying signs to know you’re heading in the right direction:
- Just before the left turn that leads you to the Croft Moraig Farm, where the stone circle hits, you’ll pass over the Croftmoraig Burn.
- The historic site sits on the left turn along the A827 just after the Tursachan 4-star hotel.
- It’s the first left turn after the Croft Moraig bus stop.
Where is Croft Moraig Stone Circle?
The Croft Moraig Stone Circle is located in the Perthshire region of Scotland, between Aberfeldy and Kenmore. It sits about 4 miles outside Aberfeldy and is a hidden gem attraction that only a few people visiting the region know about but absolutely should.
